Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide found in many agricultural practices around the world. Despite its popularity, recent studies and expert opinions have confirmed that glyphosate poses significant dangers to both human health and the environment. This has led to calls for urgent action to reduce its impact. In short, your heart, your body and the planet do not want glyphosate or any other pesticide. 

Glyphosate and Coffee Farming

Glyphosate is commonly used on coffee farms, especially in East Africa and Brazil. This is concerning because glyphosate residues can remain in the coffee beans, posing health risks to consumers. The European Union (EU) has set limits on how much glyphosate can be present in imported coffee, which could affect coffee exports from Brazil. The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé) is working to influence EU policy to protect trade, but the health and environmental concerns remain significant.

Health Risks of Glyphosate

Health experts agree that glyphosate is harmful to humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015. This means that there is strong evidence linking glyphosate exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

In addition to its potential to cause cancer, glyphosate is known to disrupt hormone systems. This can lead to reproductive issues, developmental disorders, and other health problems. Studies have also shown that glyphosate can cause liver and kidney damage.

Environmental Risks of Glyphosate

Glyphosate’s impact on the environment is just as alarming. It is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it kills many different types of plants. This reduces biodiversity, which disrupts ecosystems and harms insects, birds, and other wildlife that rely on these plants for food and habitat.

Glyphosate residues can also contaminate soil and water, persisting for a long time and posing risks to aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. The use of glyphosate has also led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, often called “superweeds.” These weeds require even stronger chemicals to control, creating a cycle of increasing chemical use in agriculture.

Governmental Regulation

There is a growing need for strict regulation of glyphosate. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that glyphosate is safe when used according to label instructions, but this stance has faced criticism and legal challenges, especially from people who have developed cancer linked to glyphosate exposure.

The European Union has taken a more cautious approach. After public pressure and scientific reviews, the EU renewed glyphosate’s approval for only five years in 2017, instead of the usual 15 years. Some EU countries, like France and Germany, are planning to phase out its use entirely.

Several countries have already banned glyphosate. Sri Lanka banned it nationwide in 2015 due to concerns about kidney disease among agricultural workers. Vietnam followed in 2019, banning the import of glyphosate-based herbicides to protect public health and the environment.

In Canada, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) concluded in 2017 that glyphosate does not pose unacceptable risks when used according to label directions. However, ongoing research and monitoring may lead to a reassessment as evidence against glyphosate continues to grow.

I am a freedom guy, and although governments can protect us, it is the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that they avoid pesticides. 

Call to Action: Choose Organic

To protect your health and the environment, it is crucial to be aware of glyphosate use. Whenever possible, choose organic products that do not contain glyphosate. By doing so, you can help reduce the demand for this harmful herbicide and support more sustainable farming practices.

At Cardiology Coffee, we understand the importance of avoiding glyphosate. That’s why we source organic coffee. You can see our glyphosate test results at the end of this article.

Remember, by choosing organic, you are making a positive impact on your health and the planet. Please, only consume organic products.